O'Connell's abrupt resignation came days after Politico Florida reported that she had taken nearly nine weeks of vacation last year and racked up nearly $30,000 in travel bills.

The Associated Press in the last month had asked for O'Connell's credit card bills and asked questions about her dealings with lobbyists who represent vendors seeking business with her agency. The lottery department contended it would cost more than $20,000 to provide copies of her emails.